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July/August
2004 Monthly Letter
Dear
Partner In Ministry:
One
question I ask people at every UpBuilding Weekend is: "Who
pastors your pastor?"
Not only do I ask this question but give several practical
suggestions to consider as possible ways to answer it.
During the Sunday morning worship service(s) I give one concrete
way for both youth and adult to "pastor their pastor."
Prior to the worship service, small posit-notesā are fastened
to the front of each worship guide. During the announcement
time I request the congregation to use the notes to jot down
a sentence or two of affirmation regarding their pastor.
I
explain that following the service when the pastor is standing
by the door, that we will play "plaster the pastor!" Each
person has the opportunity of taking the note and "plastering"
it on the pastor's suit or dress or placing it in his/her
hands!
This
turns out to be a special time of fun and frivolity! But consider
what the Lord did through this simple yet profound experience!
A
pastor phoned me on a Monday morning with this story:
"You
were unaware of what has happened in this congregation over
the past few years. I've had great difficulties with an associate
pastor. My leadership was always questioned.
A
frequent and favorite phrase of his was; 'If I were pastor,
this is what I would have done!' I knew whenever I went on
vacation or to a conference, seeds of discord would be sown
and some of them would take root!
Finally,
the elders bit the bullet and dealt with the situation. They
asked him to leave. He did. However, my own self-confidence
was shaken. I began to question any affirmation of me. Was
it really sincere?
Yesterday
after lunch I came to my office. I began reading the posit-notes.
After 6 or 8 I began to get teary-eyed. After a few more,
I began to cry. I got up and shut the door to my office and
continued to read them one by one. Soon I was weeping!
Ron,
my spirit had become so dry! Each of these notes was like
rain drops of God's love that were falling on parched ground!
It was like sitting in the rain. I let it pour! After some
time (about 168 notes' worth) I broke into songs of praise!
This
one simple event has changed my outlook on ministry. Thank
you. I so badly needed it. The Lord knew this; you didn't,
but He sure used you to pastor me, a needy pastor!
Is
there a specific way you can pastor the pastor of your church?
If so, please do it!
Ron
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